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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining