For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
