Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but 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 face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
