For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
