For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
