Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic 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, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
