Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. 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 defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
