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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 episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable