🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable