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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable