Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
