Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between 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, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to 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 reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
