Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
