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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. 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 surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining