For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
