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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, 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 everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable