Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial 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 comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
