Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
