Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new 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 devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
