Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
