Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
