For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear 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 location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
