Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits 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 perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
