Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
