Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending 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 scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
