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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up 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 that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable