Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
