Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
