Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon 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 an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other 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 isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
