Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
