🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining