Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
