Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
