Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
