Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable 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 gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite 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 message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
