Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, 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 hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
