Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
