For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
