Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
