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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining