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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy 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. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable