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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining