Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when 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 for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
