Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
