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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining