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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable