For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
