Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
