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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable