Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them 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 surprise when things finally deteriorate.
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
