For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
