For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, 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 very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
