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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining