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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable