Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
