Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
