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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon 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 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 spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining