For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
