For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
