🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining