Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
