For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
