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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits 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 cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining