🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining