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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments 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 relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining