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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know 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—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable