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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters 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 consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel 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 when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining