Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
