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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining