For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only 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, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
