Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
