Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate 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, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
