For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in 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 over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
