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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable