Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still 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 close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
