Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
