Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness 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 doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
