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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining