🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable