For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable