Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
