Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic 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 often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
