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 enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
