Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
