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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining