Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
