Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
