For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from 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 film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
