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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful 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 blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining