Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party 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 prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
