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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 seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable