Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
