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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 episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable