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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was 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!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable