Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking 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 zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
