For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
