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 proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just 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 consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
