For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup 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 which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
