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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable