🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable