Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category 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. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
