For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
