Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
