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, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves 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 almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening 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 humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
