Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
