Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. 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 purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, 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 very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
