Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
