Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
