For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
