Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
