Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
