Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
