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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable