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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable