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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining