Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from 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 movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
