Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
