🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable