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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining