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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting 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 actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable