Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
