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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable