For the most part, 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 seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
