For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
