Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
