Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite 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 peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable