Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming 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 often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
