Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite 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 some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
