Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
