For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
