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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. 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 relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable