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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope 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. Once the household gets separated, 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 expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable