Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
