Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
