For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic 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 do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
