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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining