Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
