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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable