For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, 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 as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
