For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although 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 sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
