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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While 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 trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining