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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining