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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining