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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While 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 reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable