Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. 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 their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
