Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
