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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just 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, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove 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 CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however 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 hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable