Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
