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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments 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 inventive 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 a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining