For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
