For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
