Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
