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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, 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 seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable