For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
