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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining