For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, 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.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values 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 via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
