Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
