For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes 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 succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
