Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
