For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before 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 Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
