Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
