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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are 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 also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense 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 realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining