Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, 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 also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
