For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
