Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close 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, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
