For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
