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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts 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 considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining