Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable