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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. 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 scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable