Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
