Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently 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, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect 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 represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
