Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative 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 as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
