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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable