For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
