Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
