For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
