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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining