Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
