Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
