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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable