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 were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
