Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
