Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
