Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
