🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining