Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
