Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. 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 frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
