🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable