Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
