Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
