🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable