For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
