Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
