For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested 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 scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
