Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon 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 spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
