Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
