🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining