For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
