Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
