🔗 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 seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining