Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
