Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), 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 using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
