Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
