Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from 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 devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives 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 over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
