Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
