Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
