Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
