Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. 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 the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits 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 is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
