Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
