Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining