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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable