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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable