Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
