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Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining