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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of 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. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining