Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
