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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining