For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
