Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
