For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
