For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
