For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them 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 genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
