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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining