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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. 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 went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining