Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
