Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
