Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
