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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable