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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining