Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. 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 innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
