Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
