For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
