For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more 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 virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
