🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable