Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
