For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
