Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
