For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
