Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
