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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining