Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful 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
