For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. 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 the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
