For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
