For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
