For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
