Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
