Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre 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 defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
