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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of 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, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable