Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
