Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
