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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining