For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
