Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate 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 instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
