For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged 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—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
