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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining