For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
