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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining