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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable