Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
