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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining