Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
