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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close 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 for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining