Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
