Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
