For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other 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, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
