Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
