Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre 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 turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
