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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining