For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
