Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. 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 instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
