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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable