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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable