For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
