For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
