For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
