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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable