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, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful 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 the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
