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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant 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 clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable