For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming 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 all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves 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. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
