Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
