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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining