Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
