Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
