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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining