🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals 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 forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining