Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
