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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable