For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
