For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
