🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable