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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable