Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
