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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once 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 over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining