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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining