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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable