🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable