Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
