For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
