Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
