For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could 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 represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
