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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable