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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of 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 Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable