Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
