Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, 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.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
