Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—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 flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
