Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
