Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
