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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining