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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 exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up 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 building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable