Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
