Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see 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 lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
