Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, 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 via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
