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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting 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 relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining