Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
