For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category 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, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
