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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted 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, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable