Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick 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 standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
