🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining