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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable