Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from 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 additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
