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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel 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 when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable