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 seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces 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 is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting 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 seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
