Typically, I'm over undead films. While 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 highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
