Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite 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 message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
