For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
