For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 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 and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
