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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable