Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
