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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. 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 result is a captivating and enjoyable