Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. 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 who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities 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 cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
