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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable