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Typically, I've had my fill 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. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness 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 is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable