Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
