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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining