Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
