For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. 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 flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
