Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know 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 family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
