Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about 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 creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
