Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
