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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable