For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—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 causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
