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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable