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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining