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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable