Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite 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 message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
