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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining