Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
