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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable