For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting 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.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
