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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining