Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. 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. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
