Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
