For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
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. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
