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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable