Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
