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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining