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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. 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 for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable