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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable