For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
