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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable