For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, 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
