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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining