Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
