For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease 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 movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. 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. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
