For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
