Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
