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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable