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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab 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 while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining