Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion 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 cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
