Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former 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 to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, 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
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
