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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable