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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining