Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
