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 gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike 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 while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
