Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
