For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems 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 what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), 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 hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
