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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting 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 far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining