For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
