For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting 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 remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "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. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable