Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family 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 on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
