Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, 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 playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative 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 featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. 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 their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
