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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable