Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
