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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal 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 is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable