Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used 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 becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
