For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
