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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, 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 becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable