For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
