🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable