🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—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 flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger 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 dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously 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 promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining