Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style 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 zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
