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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 enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining