For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
