🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining