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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable