For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
