Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly 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. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
