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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining