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For the most part, 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 depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama 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 portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining