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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable