Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently 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 consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining