Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. 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 physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
