For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
