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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable