Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
