Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive 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 relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
