Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
