For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 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 subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out 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 family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
