Generally speaking, 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 remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from 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 had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
