For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
