Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
