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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable