For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone 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 toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
