Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
