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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances 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 conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable