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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat 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 opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable