For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
