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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite 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 regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining