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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord 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 so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining