Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
