Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them 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 when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
