Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
