Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
