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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining