Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, 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 becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
