Typically, 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 mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
