For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate 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 rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
