Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
