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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable