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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable