Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
