For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
