Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
