Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
