Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "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 relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
