Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
