Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
