For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware 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 perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
