Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
