Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
