Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" 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 bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
