Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. 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 is a captivating and enjoyable
