🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining