For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide 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 amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
