Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
