Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
