Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, 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—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
