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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining