Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted 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 head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
