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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, 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 deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie 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 prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining