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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

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 some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining