Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness 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 doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
