Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
