For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
