For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
