Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene 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 sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably 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 he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
