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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining