🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining