Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming 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 pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
