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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining