Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly 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 its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies 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 that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
