Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits 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 perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
