For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
