For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
