Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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 quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
