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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity 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 toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining