Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted 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 my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
