For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
