For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
