For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
