Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
