Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
