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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

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 some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining