Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. 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 my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
