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Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable