Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
