Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
