Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
