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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable