🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable