For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
