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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable