Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
