For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
