Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily 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 their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
