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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining