For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still 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, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
