Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much 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 also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of 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 community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
