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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining