Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
