Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
