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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable