Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
