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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining