Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
