For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—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 loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
