🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, 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 unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining