Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 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 what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
