Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
