For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves 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 well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
