🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable