🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable