Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
