Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
