For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
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 about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
