For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
