Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining