For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
