For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, 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' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
