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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable