Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
