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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining